Salary Negotiation Scripts That Actually Work

Key Takeaways

• Always Negotiate: Not negotiating your first salary can cost you $500k+ over your career.
• Focus on 'We': Frame the negotiation as a collaboration to solve a business problem, not a demand for more money.
• Use Data: Bring market research (Salary.com, Glassdoor) to the table. Objectivity wins arguments.
• The Script: Use our templates to remove the anxiety of what to say.

Introduction

Most people never negotiate their salary. They accept the first offer, fearing they might lose the job or appear greedy. This is a million-dollar mistake—literally.

A $5,000 raise at age 25, invested at 7%, becomes over $75,000 by retirement. And that doesn't include the fact that every future raise is based on that higher baseline. You are not just negotiating for today; you are negotiating for your Future Self.

Deep Dive: The Art of the Ask

The Script: The "We" Approach

Situation: You just received a job offer. The recruiter says "$80,000." You want "$90,000."

Use this script verbatim:

"I'm really excited about the team and the mission. I've been looking at the market value for this role and reflecting on the specific value I bring with my background in [Your Unique Skill]. I was targeting a base of $90,000. If you can match that, I'm ready to sign today."

Why it works:

1. "Excited": Shows you aren't hostile. You are on their side.
2. "Market Value": Objectivity. It's not about what you want; it's about what the market pays.
3. "Sign Today": This is the magic phrase. Recruiters just want to close the req. You are solving their problem by promising to close the deal instantly if they meet your number.

The Script: The Performance Review

Situation: Asking for a raise effectively.

"Over the past year, I've led the X project which resulted in Y% growth. I'd love to discuss adjusting my compensation to reflect this new level of responsibility and impact. Based on my research, a salary of $110,000 would be aligned with standard market rates for this output."

Counter-Objections

• "We don't have the budget."
  • Response: "I understand. If base salary is capped, can we look at a signing bonus, additional equity, or a 6-month review cycle to bridge the gap?"
• "This is our best and final."
  • Response: "I appreciate that transparency. Let me discuss it with my family and I'll get back to you in 24 hours." (Never say yes immediately to a lowball).

Summary

They expect you to negotiate. It is a professional norm. If you don't ask, the answer is always no.